After six lengthy weeks of arrests, translation debacles, and numerous postponements, the bail application of Reinhardt Steyn, Chriswell Dumisani Masilela, and Dumisani Luthuli was postponed once again.

The men made an appearance in the Middelburg Magistrates Court today (Friday).

In the dock

Murder accused, Reinhardt Steyn, Chriswell Dumisani Masilela and Dumisani Luthuli, in the dock. They are being accused of kidnapping, assaulting and killing, as well as damaging property and setting Thembeni Mnguni (29) as well as Wanda Mahlangu (21) alight.

Mnguni and Mahlangu were being accused of stealing livestock in Elandslaagte.

Scenes from the courtroom

The prosecutor, advocate Noma Vilakazi, made her remarks to the court, citing that the court must consider Captain Detective Sipho Khumalo’s testimony and not the docket summary that was given to the defence attorneys, Katlego Dolamo and Advocate Werner Jungbluth.

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Katlego Dolamo delivering his final remarks in the bail hearing of Reinhardt Steyn, Chriswell Dumisani Masilela, and Dumisani Luthuli, who are accused of murdering Thembeni Mnguni (29) and Wanda Mahlangu (21).

♬ original sound – MiddelburgObserver – MiddelburgObserver

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Advocate Werner Jungbluth represents Reinhardt Steyn, who is accused of murder. Steyn, along with Chriswell Dumisani Masilela and Dumisani Luthuli, is charged with the murders of Thembeni Mnguni (29) and Wanda Mahlangu (21) in August. The men are applying for bail, but the matter has been postponed again.

♬ original sound – MiddelburgObserver – MiddelburgObserver

She said, had Luthuli not made a point out, the state wouldn’t know where the remains of the deceased were.

She emphasised that there are no exceptional circumstances proven that the men must be released on bail, adding that if the accused are released, it might jeopardise the case. She also mentioned that the accused are potentially dangerous to themselves due to the confession and pointing out.

Advocate Jungbluth said there is no evidence that suggests the accused will not adhere to their bail conditions. In conclusion, he said the court shouldn’t be held at ransom by a public that doesn’t know the purpose of bail.

ALSO READ: Elandslaagte farm murder: bail hearing postponed again

Dolamo argued that if the accused can attend court, they should be given bail despite
the seriousness of the case. He argued that the accused are employed and do not live in the community where the alleged crime happened.

Magistrate Solomon Gololo postponed the matter to Monday for bail judgement due to time constraints.

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